Junk violators an ongoing problem despite bylaw

Some repeat junk violators aren't getting the message despite the new town bylaw imposing fines, Building Commissioner James Marot said Monday.

Peggy Aulisio

ACUSHNET — Some repeat junk violators aren't getting the message despite the new town bylaw imposing fines, Building Commissioner James Marot said Monday.

"Some of the people are really hoarders," Marot told selectmen July 7. He said the new bylaw imposing fines has helped, but, "It is a disease for some people."

He added, "It's an illness. There's even a television program about the problem."

Marot said the town has offered to provide a dumpster in extreme cases, but some people reject the help.

Nevertheless, he said, "We have gotten a lot of properties cleaned up because we have a bylaw."

Marot said one problem is that the courts bend over backwards in being lenient.

The junk bylaw fines offenders $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $300 for third and subsequent offenses. Each day of a violation constitutes a separate offense.

The bylaw states, "The open display or open storage of junk is prohibited on any premises except as provided through licensure."

Junk includes old, second hand or previously used, discarded or scrapped articles or materials. It doesn't matter why they are being kept on the property, even if they are meant for sale, salvage, exchange, or recycling.

Marot said it can take a long time to deal with violators by fining them or through the courts. As a case in point, he mentioned a property the town dealt with over nine years before getting a court order to tear it down.

Marot said illness was a factor in granting leniency to another property owner in Acushnet.